NDC Unveils Primary Election Guidelines, Adopts Screening Committee Report
The Nigeria Democratic Congress has announced the procedures and framework for its upcoming party primaries following the adoption of the report submitted by its Screening Committee chaired by former Ebonyi State Governor, Sam Egwu.
The decision was reached after a strategic meeting involving members of the party’s National Working Committee, Selection Committee, senior officials, and presidential aspirant Peter Obi.
In a statement issued by the party, the NDC commended the screening panel for what it described as a thorough and professional exercise carried out over several days across the country. The party also appreciated aspirants and supporters for their growing confidence in the platform.
According to the party, all aspirants who obtained Expression of Interest forms will be allowed to participate in the primaries within their constituencies due to the limited time available before the elections.
The statement explained that primaries for State Assembly seats would be conducted through direct voting at constituency level, while those for House of Representatives, Senate, governorship and presidential positions would hold at various local government headquarters nationwide.
The party disclosed that special election committees made up of senior party administrators have already been deployed to states to supervise the process alongside local stakeholders and party leaders.
It further stated that winners emerging from the exercises would proceed to the party’s national secretariat for documentation and completion of nomination procedures.
The NDC encouraged aspirants to pursue consensus arrangements where possible in order to strengthen party unity and reduce internal disputes, while also reaffirming its commitment to youth inclusion and women participation in the electoral process.
The party maintained that violence, intimidation and any form of misconduct would not be tolerated during the exercise, warning that disciplinary action would be taken against anyone found undermining the credibility of the primaries.
An appeal panel, according to the statement, will also be constituted to handle petitions and grievances arising from the exercise.
The NDC acknowledged that the current primaries are being conducted under tight timelines, making it difficult to fully implement its planned electronic voting and collation system. However, the party assured members that future primaries would be fully digitised to improve transparency and efficiency.
The opposition party called on members, security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission to support efforts aimed at ensuring peaceful and credible primaries across the federation.
Benita Ibrahim
